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President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address – 1961: "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty” President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address – 1961: "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty”

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Kennedy and Communism 3 months into office – Kennedy orders the “Bay of Pigs” Invasion 3 months into office – Kennedy orders the “Bay of Pigs” Invasion Failed attempt to use Cuban exiles to overthrow Fidel Castro’s Communist government in Cuba (Humiliated U.S.) Failed attempt to use Cuban exiles to overthrow Fidel Castro’s Communist government in Cuba (Humiliated U.S.) Many thought the young president was not fit for major leadership Many thought the young president was not fit for major leadership

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Cuban Missile Crisis October 1962 – American U2 Spy planes photographed Soviet ballistic missile sites being constructed in Cuba October 1962 – American U2 Spy planes photographed Soviet ballistic missile sites being constructed in Cuba Missiles had the capabilities of sending nuclear warheads into the U.S. in minutes Missiles had the capabilities of sending nuclear warheads into the U.S. in minutes

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Kennedy’s Dilemma If the U.S. attacked the sites – it would be seen as aggression and could lead to nuclear war If the U.S. attacked the sites – it would be seen as aggression and could lead to nuclear war If the U.S. did nothing, Russia would be stronger than the U.S. in the region AND it could prevent the U.S. from retaliating IF war occurred If the U.S. did nothing, Russia would be stronger than the U.S. in the region AND it could prevent the U.S. from retaliating IF war occurred